Team Bayelsa has made a blistering start to the 2024 National Sports Festival, Gateway Games, claiming 17 medals so far including 12 gold, 4 silver, and 1 bronze in a dominant show across weightlifting and kung fu.
In weightlifting alone, Bayelsa secured six gold, two silver, and one bronze, while the kung fu athletes delivered six gold and two silver medals — a haul that firmly places the South-South state among the early frontrunners.
Bayelsa’s medal charge is set to continue, with Haruna Habibat through to the final of the women’s individual poomsae in taekwondo, raising hopes of further podium finishes.
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The impressive showing reflects the bold ambitions laid out by Daniel Igali, Bayelsa’s Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, who spoke ahead of the competition.
Speaking to Prime Sports Radio and The Athletic NG during the festival’s opening ceremony, Igali said the state had come to Ogun with a focused mindset and a clear goal to challenge Nigeria’s traditional sporting powerhouses.
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“We are here with a business mindset, ready to make a statement,” Igali declared. “Our goal is to offer stiff competition to the top dogs like Delta, Edo, Rivers, and Lagos, and take our place among the best.”
“We are not here just to participate. We are here to win, and we are confident that with the hard work we have put in, we can challenge for the top spot.”
